The Kansas City Chiefs have just tied down one of their key defensive stars as they seek to maintain their status as the NFL’s latest dynasty.
Although franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes – who has been criticised of late for allegedly being out of shape – is not going anywhere, and neither are his receiving corps, including Travis Kelce, there was still a lot of work to be done in the off-season on both sides of the ball.
Wanting to avoid any potential holdout situation in the future like that of defensive tackle Chris Jones in 2023, the Chiefs did not hesitate to extend standout defensive end George Karlaftis early.
The 24-year-old and the Chiefs reached an agreement on a four-year, $93 million contract extension which runs through the 2030 season. His deal also includes $62 million guaranteed.
Karlaftis still has two years left on his rookie deal, but Kansas City wanted to gain his long-term commitment as they seek to make the most of 29-year-old Mahomes’ prime.
Head coach Andy Reid said of Karlaftis’ extension: “He’s a heck of a player and he’s done a great job here and he’s profiting from that.
“Our team is also profiting from him being around. It’s a win-win. He’s a relentless player. You can trust him and he’s reliable. You know he’s going to do the right things and go 100 miles an hour doing it.”
In three seasons in the NFL, Karlaftis has recorded 24.5 sacks, eight of which came in 2024 which led the team, as well as 28 quarterback hits – a career-high.
Additionally, he and Jones have worked seamlessly in tandem together, especially when the All-Pro DT has put pressure on the opposition quarterback.
Inking the former Purdue star to a multi-year extension was second on Kansas City’s priority list after re-signing Pro Bowl offensive lineman Trey Smith.
The two parties reached an agreement on a record four-year, $94 million deal just hours before the NFL’s franchise tag deadline.
“It’s great to have, from a coach’s standpoint,” Reid said of the signings of both Karlaftis and Smith.
“The tough job is with Veach having to juggle the financial part of it, but we love having continuity with your good, young players. Veach has done a nice job with his [personnel] group in the draft.”
Smith’s deal afforded the Chiefs additional cap space which they were able to use on Karlaftis.
Now, there is also room to extend two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, which is likely what the Chiefs front-office will prioritize next.
But according to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, any offer they propose to McDuffie may have to exceed that of what the New York Jets gave their star cornerback Sauce Gardner.
“The Chiefs hope they can accomplish the last part of what would be a trifecta of deals before the season starts by signing McDuffie, a two-time All-Pro, to an extension,” Taylor wrote.
“Such a deal, though, would likely be a record-setting one similar to Smith’s contract.
“The New York Jets signed cornerback Sauce Gardner, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, to a record-setting four-year, $120.4 million extension. A two-time All-Pro, Gardner’s deal included $85.653 million guaranteed.
“For the Chiefs to sign McDuffie to an extension, the deal would likely have to exceed the terms of Gardner’s contract.”
McDuffie has been a hugely impactful player since entering the league in 2022, where he has recorded 183 tackles, 10 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions and seven forced fumbles, in just 43 games.
The Chiefs enter the 2025 regular season looking to avenge their devastating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Amid much uncertainty over Kelce’s future after a significant decline in production, the 35-year-old said he was determined to come back and see out his contract, which expires in 2026.
Kelce’s decision may have been different, though, had the Chiefs achieved the three-peat.
But whether the tight end – who is considered one of the all-time greats in his position – signs a new contract or hangs up his cleats at the end of next season is still to be determined.
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